A THANKSGIVING service for Lady Hilaria Gibbs, previous resident of the Cotehele Estate, is to be held tomorrow (Friday) at Tavistock Parish Church.

The last surviving daughter of the sixth Earl of Edgcumbe, died at the age of 101 on November 19.

Cotehele belonged to the Edgcumbe family from 1353 until 1947, when Lady Hilaria's father passed on the house and its 1,300 acres to the National Trust in lieu of death duties. It became the first historic house and estate to be acquired by the National Land Fund.

Toby Fox, general manager of Cotehele House, said: 'It is very sad that the connection with Cotehele has ended with the death of Lady Hilaria.'

The service is at 2pm. The family have requested donations be made to St Luke's Hospice or flowers can be sent to Walter C Parson of Crownhill, Plymouth.